Safety and Risk Manager

Job Description

Set the standard and advance safety measures across the District. Apply today!

The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is seeking an innovative Safety and Risk Manager to trailblaze the District’s safety and risk management efforts. This role is a critical component of the Human Resources Department, providing District-wide leadership over occupational safety, accident prevention, regulatory compliance, training, and risk management programs, with a strong emphasis on building consistency and a culture where safety is embedded into daily operations.

SMWD is at a key moment of transformation and growth, and this is a unique opportunity to truly reshape the safety program for a dynamic and forward-thinking water district.

Provide District-wide leadership over occupational safety, accident prevention, regulatory compliance, training, and risk management programs, with a focus on building consistency and a safety culture embedded into daily operations.

Ideal candidates bring a strong technical foundation in safety and risk management, an understanding of water and wastewater operations, and the passion, presence, and judgment needed to build trust and effectively drive change.

Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include retirement benefits, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.

The District is enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.

The District contracts with ACWA for medical coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums up to the highest HMO are paid by the District for all full‑time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full‑time status.

The District provides dental insurance for all full‑time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the District's rates. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full‑time status.

The District provides vision insurance to each full‑time employee and their eligible dependents through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full‑time status.

The District provides term‑life insurance for all full‑time employees through VOYA with employee benefits equal to 2 1/2 times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employee's salary. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full‑time status.

The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that offers confidential, professional assistance with services such as legal/financial concerns, , mental health, and more.

General leave is a multi‑purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non‑job related illness/injuries.

• First year through five‑year anniversary: 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year), accumulated maximum of 304 hours.
• Sixth through tenth‑year anniversary: 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year), accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
• Eleventh through fifteenth‑year anniversary: 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year), accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
• Sixteenth year and beyond: 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year), accumulated maximum of 380 hours.

General leave accrual begins from the date of hire, but usually cannot be taken until completion of the employee's six‑month probationary period.

Regular full and part‑time employees are eligible for the District's deferred…